"Close at hand" means lying in the near future or vicinity; nearby or imminent. It essentially signifies that something is either physically near or about to happen very soon.
Understanding "Close at Hand"
The phrase "close at hand" is an idiomatic expression used to describe proximity, either in terms of physical location or time. Here's a breakdown:
Physical Proximity
When referring to physical space, "close at hand" implies that something is readily accessible and not far away.
- Example: "Keep a first-aid kit close at hand when hiking."
- Meaning: The first-aid kit should be nearby so that it can be reached quickly if needed.
Temporal Proximity
In terms of time, "close at hand" indicates that something is about to occur soon.
- Example: "With the holidays close at hand, we need to start planning."
- Meaning: The holidays are coming up soon, and the planning should commence.
Key Aspects of "Close at Hand"
Here are some critical points to remember about the phrase:
- Immediacy: It often suggests that something is not just near but also immediately relevant or available.
- Convenience: The phrase frequently implies that whatever is "close at hand" is easy to reach or deal with.
- Context-Dependent: Whether it refers to location or time is determined by the context of the sentence.
Practical Examples
To further illustrate, here are more examples:
- Physical: "The tools we need are close at hand in the shed."
- Temporal: "The deadline for the project is close at hand, so we must finish it quickly."
- Both: "With winter close at hand, it is best to keep warm clothes close at hand."
Summary
In essence, "close at hand" is a versatile phrase that conveys the idea of nearness, whether spatial or temporal. It's a common way to say that something is readily available or quickly approaching.
